"But Portugal have other extraordinary players in the offensive phase. I believe it will be a spectacular game even without Cristiano Ronaldo, though we would have liked to face him.

"I think with him on the pitch it would have been even more spectacular. We are very sorry he is not playing tomorrow [Saturday]."

Nevertheless, Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini - who lines up at Juventus alongside Ronaldo - insists the Azzurri will not be altering their outlook, adamant Portugal have plenty of other weapons in their arsenal.